By MARK DEVOLDER
Los Alamos
I can understand when an infant cries they might want a bottle of milk. However, a little more homework (analysis) is needed when someone living in Los Alamos County submits a proposal for bus service on evenings and weekends.
A simple analysis is not beyond the capability of an average high school student. Of course, it is always easier to sit around and say “give me this and give me that.”
The following is a simple framework for analysis purposes.
Bus Service Description – A description of the requested bus service needs to address the capacity / size of the bus, potential routes, and schedules.
Budget / Financial – What is the annual cost of the proposal (that is, the bus, bus driver with a CDL, driver drug screening, maintenance, insurance, infrastructure personnel to support the bus service). What are competing projects which potentially may not be funded if the bus proposal is approved (for example, composting, electrical / water / natural gas infrastructure upgrades, curb replacement at the Spruce / Ponderosa intersection, sidewalk replacement on North Sage, Christmas lighting decorations at Ashley Pond, etc.).
There is a five-year plan for infrastructure improvements. Currently, there are 46 “plans” requiring updating in Los Alamos County. Quite a bit of money can be wasted on plans and there may be nothing tangible to show for it. (Note 1: Prior to the Cerro Grande Fire, plans were developed by the US Forest Service for tree thinning on US Forest land.
Unfortunately, all the available funding was spent on the plan, and no thinning was accomplished on US Forest Service holdings.) (Note 2: I read something about people who engage in particular hobby activity. Highly-educated people usually want to develop plans. Less-well educated people would prefer to roll up their sleeves and get something accomplished.)
Human Factors – It has been increasingly difficult hire personnel in Los Alamos County (for example, bus drivers). I see quite a few “help wanted / hiring” signs these days. Part of the problem is employees jumping ship and going to work at LANL. It is also expensive for hourly personnel to live in Los Alamos County. Finally, would it be desirable to drive a bus (possibly an empty bus) endlessly in circles at night and on weekends during the winter?
Productivity – Does the proposal improve economic development in Los Alamos? If so, how is it accomplished?
Quality – Does the proposal decrease air quality and is it environmentally sustainable? (Note: There is a sign on 15th Street indicating that Route 3 has been suspended.)
Safety – The bus service may add to traffic congestion. Will the buses have seat belts for patrons? Will the patrons use the seat belts? Could the bus be involved in a traffic accident? It can be more difficult to operate a motor vehicle (for example, a bus) in changing lighting conditions as the sun goes down.
Schedule – As previously mentioned, what is the proposed schedule for the buses? How long will it take to implement the bus service if it is approved?
Security – Could a shooting or altercation occur on a bus? What happens if the bus patrons are unpleasant, rowdy, noisy, or drunk?
Many years ago, I read about J. Paul Getty (Getty Oil). He was successful because he focused on the Return on Investment (ROI) for projects. If a project does not yield an ROI which is substantially higher than the prevailing rate of interest, it is not worth implementing. It is better to leave the money in the bank. At the Federal Government Level, legislators refer to “one” (that is, 1 billion dollars). It is too bad that legislators don’t take the time to say 1 billion dollars, they might spend less taxpayer money. When anyone in Los Alamos County proposes a “free service,” it would be helpful to keep in mind that the service competes with other projects / services in the Los Alamos County budget.
Personally, I think it is rather discussing to spend limited Los Alamos County funds on “fluff items” other than infrastructure – particularly when the infrastructure needs help. It reminds me of someone who purchases fancy rims and tires for their motor vehicle when the transmission is known to be failing. A serviceable motor vehicle which is rather plain will still get you where you need to go.
If you ever worked at LANL and tried to hire someone, you may recall that job applicants are ranked based on “required skills” and “desired skills.” The same might apply to the evening and weekend bus service proposal. Is the service required or desired?
Many years ago, I read that the Swiss wanted to construct a railroad tunnel under a mountain. It was going to take 30 years to complete. So 30 years went by and now they have a railroad tunnel under a mountain. The average outlook for most American government legislators / personnel is 90 days. We are not building very many tunnels.
